Urinary tract infection (UTI)

 

                                         

Arises from bacterial infections of the urinary system, which encompasses the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and the urethra. Most infections typically affect the lower portions of the bladder and the urethra. UTIs are significantly more prevalent in women than they are in men. Although infections of the bladder are troublesome and painful, there are serious health complications if it spreads to the kidneys.

Symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection

Not all patients with a urinary trace infection experience symptoms. However, if any symptoms do appear, the following are a possibility:

Urinary tract infection (UTI):

• Urgency and an Increase in Passing Water: A strong and rigid urge to urinate that does not relent.
• Burning Sensation: Pain that occurs during urination.
• Frequent, Small Urine Output: Frequent urination with minimal quantities.
• Cloudy Urine: When urine takes on a cloudy appearance.
• Presence of Blood in urine: Urine that could appear red, bright pink or cola colored indicating some sort of injury.
• Strong-smelling urine: There is a rotten, pungent smell to the urine.
• Pelvic pain: For women, pain in the mid-region of the pelvis or around the pubic bone.
• Diagnosis is often difficult due to the fact that older adults have milder and more subtle symptoms.
• Kidney Infections (Pyelonephritis)
• Each kind of urinary tract infection listed above has its individual set of symptoms.
• In the case of kidney infections, these symptoms often include:

‐ Risk of:

• Intense Fever
• Severe Pain in the Middle Back or Side
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Symptoms of bladder infections (Cystitis) Also Include:
• Frequent and painful urination.
• Urine contains blood.
• Pressure in the pelvic region.
• Discomfort in the lower region of the abdomen.
• Urethra Infections (Urethritis)
• This infection comes with the following symptoms:
• Discharge
• Searing pain when urinating.

When to Go to the Doctor

It is best to talk to a doctor when you see the symptoms of urethral urethritis:

Vaginal discharge along with burning pain during urination.

Blood is evident in urine or there is a change in its color.

Along with fever and shivers, there is pain in the back, particularly spine.

Why Is UTI Occurring

This is something that often results from bacteria entering through the urethra and then progressing to the bladder. While the area of urinary tract is optimally placed for prevention against bacteria, there are factors that extremely endanger its means of defense.

This can be due to:

Bacterial infection stemming from E. Coli. This is particularly common to be the reason why UTIs occur. This is especially true for bladder infection. Reason being is e Coli which sits in the system.

Sexual Intercourse: Having sex can impose bacteria in the urinary system and hence augment the risk of getting infection.

Improper Hygiene: Not maintaining basic cleanliness, such as wiping back to front introduces bacteria into the urethra.

Risk Factors for UTI’s

There are certain factors that markedly increase the odds of your chances of getting a UTI, especially in women.

Female-specific risk factors:

- Anatomy: Women’s shorter urethra means bacteria can travel to the bladder more easily.

- Sexual Activity: Being sexually active heightens chances of getting a UTI. New partners also add to the risk.

- Diaphragms and spermicidal agents might also increase the chances of getting an infection.

Menopause: After a woman goes through the menopause phase, hormonal changes make women prone to UTIs.

General Risk Factors:

- Having urinary tract problems, either due to birth defects or structural issues heightens risk.

- Conditions such as Kidney stones, or enlarged prostate increases chances of bladder urine retention leading to infections.

- Individuals with diabetes or having any autoimmune disease also become more susceptible.

- Use of catheters increase risk especially when used for prolonged periods.

- Went through medical examinations, or surgeries involving the urinary tract.

UTI Related Complications

Almost every UTI is treatable. However, failure to attend to them may have dire consequences such as:

Recurrent UTIs: Defined as having more than two UTIs in six months or three in a year.

Kidney Damage: An untreated kidney infection can lead to permanent damage.

UTIs during Pregnancy: A urinary tract infection while pregnant can lead to low birth weight babies or preterm delivery.

Sepsis: This arises when the infection spreads to the blood stream and causes systemic and life-threatening infection known as sepsis.

Prevention Tips for UTIs

Most people cannot avoid getting UTIs, but there are ways of minimizing their occurrence, such as:

Best Habit to Avoid UTIs:

Water: Consuming sufficient water helps eliminate bacteria within the urinary tract.

Cranberry Juice: Suggestive, but not proven to be effective in avoidance of UTIs.

Urinary Hygiene: Avoid moving bacteria to the urinary tract by moving from front towards the back after going to the toilet.

Washing after Intercourse: This prevents bacteria that may have been introduced to the urethra from the bladder during intercourse.

Feminine Cleaners: Douches, powders and sprays have the potential to irritate the urethra, and hence increase the chances of infection.

Changing Methods of Birth Control: Using a diaphragm or spermicide may raise the chances of getting a UTI; therefore, changing to other methods of contraception may help.

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